Co-op Farms to be Sold

The Co-operative Group has announced plans to sell its portfolio of farms.  The decision to sell the 15 farms, covering 50,000 acres (20,235 Ha), has been made as part of a four-year reorganisation which will see the retailer cut costs by £500m.  Business losses for 2013 are expected to begreater the £2bn.  The farms, situated in England and Scotland are predominately arable units.  The group also owns three fresh produce packing plants.